Chapter 16

The next day, when I stepped into the university grounds, I noticed an unusual atmosphere. As I looked around the campus and carefully observed the somewhat unsettling atmosphere, I suddenly heard my name called and turned around.

“Adachi, there’s a big problem.”

And there he was, Kunihisa Hayashi, a good friend of Shuhei (they deny it, but it looks that way to me). Looking anxious, Kunihisa quickly informed me of the situation.

“What happened?”

“That guy, some third-year guys took him. You know, the one Shuhei beat up at the start of our school year after he tried to flirt with you, I think his name is… Fujisaki?”

The name was instantly retrieved from my memory, as were all of the man’s circle of friends in general.

“So, where did they take Shuhei?”

“The old school building. I’m sure he’ll be fine, but that Fujisaki guy seems to be up to something. I’m going to check on him just in case; Adachi, you call someone… Wha– hey!”

Behind me, I heard a voice calling out to me. I shook it off and dashed toward the old school building.

If nothing else happened, that would be good, but I couldn’t shake the bad feeling in my chest.

＊＊＊

In the large lecture hall on the first floor of the old school building, I could feel the presence of several people inside it. I put my hand on the door and try to open it, but it seems to be locked from the inside. Standing in front of the door, I clicked my tongue and took a deep breath. Then I kicked the door with all my might. But as I expected, it didn’t come off with just a single kick. I kicked the door a few more times, and finally, it came off.

The smoke from the impact of the collapsed doors filled the empty classrooms in the unused old school building. Stepping into the room, I could smell the fragrance of some kind of incense.

There were nearly 10 men surrounding one person in the room. I squinted as I caught sight of the man I was looking for in the center of the group. I instantly guessed the situation.

The usual Shuhei would never go down obediently like that, so why? A possibility suddenly came to my mind after I noticed Shuhei’s rough breathing, disheveled shirt, and the sweet aroma wafting through my nose.

The fact that there was no change in myself suggests that it was probably some kind of omega-exclusive aphrodisiac used in the sex industry. Shuhei must have continued to resist even then, judging by the bruises on his face. I wonder how painful it must have been for him, how much pain he must have been in, and if I could have come a little earlier.

Whenever Shuhei saw me in danger, he would appear out of nowhere to protect me. Whenever I was in trouble, he helped me before anyone else. I realize how “special” that was. It’s only now that I finally realize how much thought and attention he gave to me. Shuhei was my hero, but I don’t want to be the only one being protected anymore.

“Yukiya, run! Don’t worry about me, just go!”

I heard Shuhei shout. Those words he yelled just now made me think of his words from a long time ago.

— “I may be an omega now, but I will always protect you.”

Shuhei has kept his vow to this day.

So I guess this is farewell to my cowardly self, and at the same time, my resolve to Shuhei.

I dodged from the man’s huge body that was grabbing me, and at the same time, I grabbed him by the chest and used the momentum of the grab to knock him off his feet. The man’s huge body flew through the air and then hit the ground with a loud sound.

I exhale and raise my head to meet the eyes of Shuhei, who looks stunned. The look on his face is so refreshing that I can’t help but smile.

“Why so surprised? I’ve learned self-defense, you know? Albeit only to an extent.”

Now it’s my turn to protect you.

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